Proudly upholding centuries-old woodworking traditions in India, the Dārava workshop in Mumbai is an ecosystem of skilled carpenters, wood carvers, artisans, finishers, cane weavers, and upholsterers from craft communities across the country.

Wood carving, engraving, moulding, inlay, cane and cord weaving are all done entirely by hand, using processes that have been perfected over generations. The techniques are traditional and time-tested, and materials are locally sourced, including high-quality reclaimed teak (Tectona grandis) and sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), some of the finest and densest tropical hardwoods that age beautifully over time.

Dārava takes a holistic approach to sustainability, from raw materials and product development to the finished product. We ensure best practices are followed in our workshop, maintaining both product quality and sustainability on all fronts. Waste is minimized by optimizing the use of wood as a renewable resource and streamlining our production processes to use only the necessary materials.

A majority of our furniture is crafted from reclaimed teak wood (Tectona grandis), sourced from beams, columns, doors, and windows of old structures that are being demolished, often over a hundred years old. These reclaimed pieces are then cut into planks and sized to required dimensions in our workshop. Teak’s high oil content, tensile strength, and tight grain make it naturally resistant to moisture, termites, and insect damage. This durability, combined with its distinctive golden-brown colour that darkens with age, makes it a prized material for both its aesthetic beauty and longevity.

Our furniture is polished and finished almost entirely by hand. The wood is carefully sanded with different grades of sandpaper, polished, stained, and sealed in layers, with the process repeated multiple times to achieve our signature finish. We prioritize the use of water-based surface treatments and minimize chemical usage to ensure our products are safe for both our artisans and clients.